Jazz Articles about Charles Davis

Charles Davis: Land of Dreams

by Elliott Simon
June 13, 2007

In the shrinking world of “legendary" jazz performers, all star sessions and one-offs are the norm. This release is a rare treat that gives a real look-see at saxophonist Charles Davis in the context of his working band. Davis, with his baritone sax, was part of the seminal Jazz Composer's Orchestra and early groups fronted by Sun Ra. Among a host of other top-flight ensembles, he also anchored the reed sections for saxophonist Ben Webster and trumpeter Kenny Dorham. His ...

Charles Davis: Blue Gardenia

by Jim Santella
December 3, 2003

Baritone saxophonist Charles Davis started out with Sun Ra in the early 1950s. Along the way, he’s paid his dues in the big bands of Clark Terry, Thad Jones/Mel Lewis, Illinois Jacquet and Lionel Hampton. He first played “Blue Gardenia” with Dinah Washington in the late ‘50s. As a leader, he’s only issued a few recordings: Dedicated To Tadd (West 54, 1979), Super 80 (Nilva, 1982), and Reflections (Red, 1990).

Now 70, Davis continues to exercise his ...

Charles Davis: Sweet Storyteller

by R.J. DeLuke
October 16, 2003

There’s a difference between the elder statesmen in jazz and the newer firebrands, no matter how talented. One is the former’s ability to take their time to tell a story. They’ve been around life and they’re not in a rush. Like Dexter was. And Prez.

Out of that mold is 70-year-old Charles Davis, displaying his rich tenor sax sound and strong baritone sax work on his new CD Blue Gardenia, titled as much for his admiration for Dinah ...

Charles Davis: Blue Gardenia

by C. Michael Bailey
July 25, 2003

Charles Davis is one of those musicians who has capably plied his craft for over 50 years, working alongside disparate characters like Sun Ra and Thad Jones while garnering little or no commercial recognition for his meager but excellent output as a leader. On Blue Gardenia everything about Charles Davis and his playing smacks of hard bop from the '50s and '60s. What kind of sound does he have? Imagine if Dexter Gordon had played baritone saxophone rather than tenor. ...